Not necessarily for long, though. Later this year, the Downtown Development Authority is planning to unveil the first in a series of public art installations around the downtown, with the goal of making Farmington more colorful, creative, memorable, and hip.

The new public art blueprint grew out of a DDA master plan update, drafted in 2016, that called in part for beautification of the downtown area. Last November, a public art steering team braved the cold for a “walking audit” of Farmington, then brainstormed ideas and came up with a list of top priorities:

Kid-oriented art (e.g., storybook walk, sidewalk chalk)

Murals (ideas for locations included CVS, The Village Mall, The Vines, and Sunflour Bakehaus)

Performance space

Sidewalk imprints

Lighting

Gateway treatments at the main “entrances” to downtown Farmington

The steering team included the DDA design committee and representatives from Farmington Public Schools, the library, kickstART Farmington, local businesses, the historical commission, and the arts commission and arts foundation. Also included in the planning process were design firm Beckett & Raeder, arts advocacy group Creative Many Michigan, and Main Street Oakland County, who’s funding the study as part of Farmington’s Main Street affiliation.

“This was a great team of creative people who wanted to make a difference — knowing that there’s not a lot out there, really wanting it to happen,” said Knowles. “We have been working with a really engaged and energetic community.”

To gather public input, the DDA sent out an online survey, which generated 131 responses, and held a forum on March 8. About 30-40 people attended and left sticky notes with their input, bringing up ideas that ranged from a peace pole to history murals, Pokemon Go, and an installation that reads “hello” in multiple languages.

Knowles said she’s pleased with the turnout, both for the survey and the in-person meeting. “I’m excited,” she said. “It’s probably one of the most fun workshop series that we’ve had. These people put their heart and soul into the arts.”

Responses will be compiled into a final report by the end of April, then put together into a brochure that can be distributed in the community and to partners who could potentially provide funding.

Some of the ideas — like the performance space — will have to be incorporated into a larger project, like a streetscape, Knowles said. Others are small enough to do on their own. Later in 2017, the DDA board will choose one or more projects to carry out this year, using $5,000 generated from the 2016 Harvest Moon event.

Knowles said 2017 possibilities might include a mural, a chalk cart for kids, or sidewalk imprints with poetry or inspirational quotes, all of which are quick and easy to implement. “For a mural, all you need to find are an artist and a property owner who’s willing to do it,” she said.

Second-level priorities, mainly reserved for future discussion, include a Farmington art app, a fountain or water feature, a selfie spot, creative “wraps” for utility boxes and bike racks, and garden art.

Knowles said the art plan marks a shift in the way the city approaches downtown projects.

“When we did the Grand River streetscape, we didn’t plan it saying, ‘Where’s the public space where we can put a piece of art — where are we making space?’” she said. “I think this will change that approach. I think we’ll start saying, ‘We’re going to plan this project; now what are we going to do to incorporate some of these ideas?’”

Many of the respondents to the online survey left their emails with a note asking to be involved as art plans for Farmington move forward. Jennifer Goulet, president and CEO of Creative Many, said it’s exciting to see so many people interested. “I think this community is creating a model that other communities can watch and learn from,” she said.